Explorer who opened Arabia to the West

Updated 09 June 2015
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Explorer who opened Arabia to the West

RIYADH: Finnish Ambassador Pekka Voutilainen recently delivered a lecture on George August Wallin, the Finnish orientalist and explorer of the Arabian Peninsula.
Delivered at the ambassador’s residence, the lecture was preceded by an interesting speech on Western explorers of the Arabian Peninsula by Saudi historian and former Shoura Council member Mohammed Al-Zulfa.
“St. John Philby (1885-1960), T.E. Lawrence (1888-1935), Gerald de Gaury (1897-1984), and George August Wallin (1811-1852) are some explorers we ought to remember,” Al-Zulfa said. The ambassador said that Wallin was born in 1811, and in 1829, he enrolled at the University of Helsinki to study Oriental languages, graduating with an MA in 1836.
In 1839, Wallin went to St. Petersburg (Russia) where he met Sheikh Muhammad Sayyad Al-Tantawi who taught him Arabic, Middle Eastern and Arab history, and Islamic culture. “Wallin made his first expedition to the Arab world with the help of a grant from the University of Helsinki. He made his first desert journey in 1845 and the second in 1846. He traveled via Taima and Tabuk and again as far as Hail to turn from there to both Baghdad and Persia, in his third and last journey in 1847,” the ambassador said.
Wallin was not only the first European to visit Al-Jouf and Hail, but also the first European scholar to collect bedouin poetry and make observations on bedouin dialects.
Wallin died in 1852 having become one of the most respected Arabists of his time. His Arabic name “Abdul Wali” is engraved on his tombstone in Helsinki.
It is believed that Wallin had become a Muslim in order to visit the two most sacred cities, Makkah and Madinah. It is said that Wallin wrote once that he found European culture oppressive and that he couldn’t adapt himself to Europe.
In his book, “Scenes from Northern Arabic Peninsula,” he described his journey to the northern part of the Kingdom. He praised the reformist movement of Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Wahab.
The alliance of Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Wahab with Diriyyah Gov. Prince Mohammed bin Saud in 1744 led to the emergence of the Saudi state that developed in less than two centuries into what is known today as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

 


Rixos Obhur Jeddah sets new benchmark for all-inclusive luxury in Saudi Arabia

Updated 19 February 2026
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Rixos Obhur Jeddah sets new benchmark for all-inclusive luxury in Saudi Arabia

  • This resort is an impressive contribution to the Kingdom’s global tourism ambitions

JEDDAH: From the moment you arrive at Rixos Obhur Jeddah, it’s clear this is not just another beachfront resort — it’s a statement. Billed as the first all-inclusive luxury experience “of its kind” in Jeddah, Rixos Obhur signals a shift in how hospitality is being represented in Saudi Arabia. It is a breath of fresh air — both literally and conceptually — introducing a global resort model while remaining rooted in regional culture.

The Kingdom has long been associated mainly with business travel and domestic tourism. But it is now positioning itself as a lifestyle destination for international travelers. Rixos Obhur actively contributes to that change, offering an experience that competes confidently with established upmarket resort destinations around the world. During my stay, it was impossible not to notice the wide range of international visitors alongside Saudi families and regional travelers.

The property is expansive, polished, and unmistakably luxurious. I stayed in a three-bedroom villa designed to accommodate up to six guests. The attention to detail throughout the space was immediately noticeable.

Rixos Obhur Jeddah also excels in its culinary and entertainment offerings, which are central to the all-inclusive concept. (Supplied)

The interiors are modern, sleek, and thoughtfully designed, striking a balance between contemporary aesthetics and warm, welcoming comfort. Everything feels new, curated, and intentional — from the furniture selection to the lighting and layout.

What truly stands out, though, is just how elevated even the smallest details feel. The bathroom amenities, including the shampoo and personal care products, are of exceptional quality — a small but telling detail that separates a luxury resort from a standard beachfront chalet experience. This is not the kind of stay where you feel you’ve “settled” for convenience; it’s one where indulgence is built into every element.

Rixos Obhur Jeddah also excels in its culinary and entertainment offerings, which are central to the all-inclusive concept. One of the highlights of my stay was the dinner and live show experience. Guests are treated to an open buffet that goes far beyond expectations, featuring premium cuts of steak, rich Turkish specialties, Arabic classics, and indulgent desserts — including Turkish Delights that live up to the brand’s heritage.

The food selection is impressively diverse, catering to an international audience while still celebrating regional flavors. This thoughtful balance ensures that every guest, regardless of background, finds something familiar and something new to enjoy. The live entertainment — including dancers and a live band — adds an energetic, celebratory atmosphere that transforms dinner into a full evening experience rather than just a meal, while the range of expertly crafted mocktails on offer further enhances the resort’s appeal.

Another standout feature of the resort is how seamlessly outdoor spaces are integrated into the overall experience. (Supplied) 

Service throughout the property is warm, attentive, and polished, creating an environment where guests feel genuinely welcomed rather than simply accommodated.

Another standout feature of the resort is how seamlessly outdoor spaces are integrated into the overall experience. Even during warmer weather, the presence of outdoor air-conditioning allows guests to enjoy open spaces comfortably — a thoughtful adaptation to the local climate. The beach, too, is immaculately clean, well-maintained, and clearly designed with families in mind.

Rixos Obhur Jeddah offers a vision of Saudi Arabia as a competitive global tourism destination, capable of delivering world-class hospitality experiences without compromise. It successfully highlights what an all-inclusive resort can look like in the Kingdom, blending international standards with regional identity in a way that feels authentic and forward-looking.

If this resort is a glimpse of where Saudi tourism is headed, the future looks both exciting and impressively refined.